Bottle of whisky sells for £25,000

A rare single malt has sold for just over £25,000, making it one of the world's most expensive bottles of whisky, auctioneers said today.

The bottle of Glenfiddich, distilled before the start of the Second World War, went under the hammer for £25,200, including the buyer's premium, at Bonhams' whisky sale in Edinburgh today.

The 70cl bottle, dating to 1937, was one of 61 bottles produced and was part of a batch of 10 released in 2001.

Experts say the single malt smells of newly dug peat, burnt leather and oak and tastes of treacle toffee, creme brulee and toasted almonds.

Bonhams said the Glenfiddich, which was initially valued at £15,000 to £20,000, is one of the most expensive bottles of whisky ever sold at auction.

A world record £29,400 was paid in 2007 for a 19th century bottle of Bowmore, according to the auction house.

Bonhams' whisky specialist Martin Green said: "The moment I saw it I knew we had something special and I'm delighted that it reached such a high price.

"Even in these difficult economic times, very high quality items will still excite a lot of interest and this was a truly exceptional opportunity to acquire an exceptional bottle."